Storage box supply and retrieval device

Abstract

To provide a feeding / collecting device of storage boxes, that is advantageous for effectively feeding / collecting the storage boxes.SOLUTION: A feeding / collecting device of storage boxes comprises: a feed placement table mechanism 14 that is provided at a downstream end in a transferring direction of a storage box feed passage 12, and includes a first table 1402 on which a plurality of stacked storage boxes 24 transferred from the storage box feed passage 12 is placed; a collecting placement table mechanism 16 that is provided at an upstream end in a transferring direction of a storage box collection passage 18, and includes a second table 1602 on which the storage box 24 transferred from the first table 1402 is stacked, and that transfers the plurality of storage boxes 24 stacked on the second table 1602; and a storage box transfer mechanism 20 that is provided between the first table 1402 and the second table 1602, and sequentially transfers the emptied storage boxes 24 from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602 to stack the emptied storage boxes on the second table 1602.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply and recovery device for storage boxes.

Background Art

[0002] There is provided a rack device for temporarily storing articles, which includes a storage table for storing articles used in a factory or the like and a delivery table for delivering articles (see Patent Document 1). Such a rack device can achieve a certain effect in improving the efficiency of article storage and retrieval.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a factory where various operations such as assembling parts, processing parts, and welding parts to members are performed, workers carry storage boxes containing a plurality of parts to be worked into the work site, and carry out the operation of carrying out the storage boxes that have been emptied of parts from the work site. This is disadvantageous in improving the work efficiency of workers, and also causes problems such as an increase in the burden on workers. Therefore, in a factory where various operations such as assembling parts, processing parts, and welding parts to members are performed, a supply and recovery device for storage boxes that improves the efficiency of the operation of carrying storage boxes containing a plurality of parts to be worked into the work site and the operation of carrying out the storage boxes that have been emptied of parts from the work site is desired. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a supply and recovery device for storage boxes that is advantageous in improving the efficiency of supply and recovery of storage boxes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the system includes: a storage box supply path for transporting multiple storage boxes containing multiple parts in a stacked state; a supply and placement table mechanism provided at the downstream end of the storage box supply path in the transport direction and having a first table on which the multiple stacked storage boxes are transported from the storage box supply path and placed; a storage box recovery path for transporting multiple empty storage boxes in a stacked state to a storage box recovery location; a recovery and placement table mechanism provided at the upstream end of the storage box recovery path in the transport direction and having a second table on which the storage boxes transported from the first table are stacked and transporting the multiple storage boxes stacked on the second table to the upstream end; and a storage box transport mechanism provided between the first table and the second table for sequentially transporting the empty storage boxes from the first table to the second table and stacking them on the second table. The second table is composed of a roller conveyor, and the recovery and placement table mechanism includes the second table suspended by a wire, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the wire, a tilting mechanism for tilting the second table so that one end of the second table in the transport direction of the storage box is positioned lower than the other end, and a stopper that contacts the second table as the second table is lowered by the lifting mechanism, reverses the tilt of the second table, and transports the storage box from the second table to the upstream end of the storage box recovery path. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In this invention, storage boxes containing multiple parts are stacked on a first table from a storage box supply path, and empty storage boxes are transferred from a second table to a storage box retrieval path. This is advantageous in improving the efficiency of supplying and retrieving storage boxes. Furthermore, workers are no longer required to transport containers containing parts from the container supply route to the work site, nor to transport empty containers from the work site to the container retrieval route. They can simply take parts from the containers placed on the first table and perform various tasks, which is advantageous in terms of improving the efficiency of the workers' work. Furthermore, simplifying and compacting the structure of the container transfer mechanism is advantageous in reducing the cost of the container supply and retrieval device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the initial state in which the gripping mechanism is holding its upper limit position and is in the second rotation position. [Figure 2]This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to an embodiment, showing the state in which the gripping mechanism has rotated from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while maintaining its upper limit position. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the gripping mechanism in the lower limit position at the first rotation position. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to an embodiment, showing the gripping mechanism gripping the first empty storage box and rising to the upper limit position at the first rotation position. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to an embodiment, showing the state in which the gripping mechanism has gripped the first empty storage box and is holding it at its upper limit position, while rotating from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the state in which the gripping mechanism releases its grip and drops the first empty storage box onto the second table. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to an embodiment, showing the state in which the gripping mechanism has rotated from the second rotation position to the first rotation position while maintaining its upper limit position. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the gripping mechanism in the first rotation position, where it has been lowered from the upper limit position to the lower limit position. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the gripping mechanism gripping the second empty storage box and rising from the lower limit position to the upper limit position at the first rotation position. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to an embodiment, showing the state in which the gripping mechanism has gripped the second empty storage box and rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position while maintaining the upper limit position. [Figure 11] This is a front view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the state in which the gripping mechanism has released its grip and dropped the second empty storage box onto the first empty storage box on the second table. [Figure 12]It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the gripping mechanism rotates from the second turning position to the first turning position while holding the upper limit position. [Figure 13] It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the gripping mechanism descends from the upper limit position to the lower limit position at the first turning position. [Figure 14] It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the gripping mechanism grips the third empty storage box and rises from the lower limit position to the upper limit position at the first turning position. [Figure 15] It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the gripping mechanism grips the third empty storage box and holds the upper limit position at the first turning position. [Figure 16] It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the gripping mechanism grips the third empty storage box, holds the upper limit position, and rotates from the first turning position to the second turning position. [Figure 17] It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the gripping mechanism releases the grip and drops the third empty storage box onto the second empty storage box on the second table. [Figure 18] It is a side view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the second table on which three empty storage boxes are placed is descending. [Figure 19] It is a side view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where the second table on which three empty storage boxes are placed descends and abuts against a stopper, the inclination of the second table reverses, and the three empty storage boxes are transferred to the upstream end of the storage box recovery path. [Figure 20] It is a side view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where three stacked storage boxes are transferred from the direction conversion supply path to the downstream end supply path of the storage box supply path. [Figure 21] It is a front view of a storage box supply and recovery device according to an embodiment, showing a state where three stacked storage boxes are transferred from the upstream end supply path to the direction conversion supply path of the storage box supply path. [Figure 22]It is a side view of the supply and recovery device for the storage box according to the embodiment, showing a state where three stacked storage boxes are transferred from the downstream end supply path of the storage box supply path to the second table. [Figure 23] It is a partial side view of the supply and recovery device for the storage box according to the embodiment, showing a state where three stacked storage boxes are stopped by the first stopper in the downstream end supply path of the storage box supply path. [Figure 24] It is a partial side view of the supply and recovery device for the storage box according to the embodiment, showing a state where the first stopper is immersed and three stacked storage boxes are transferred from the downstream end supply path of the storage box supply path to the first table. [Figure 25] It is a partial side view of the supply and recovery device for the storage box according to the embodiment, showing a state where the first stopper is immersed and three stacked storage boxes are transferred from the downstream end supply path of the storage box supply path to the first table, and the second stopper protrudes to stop the movement of the three stacked storage boxes. [Figure 26] It is a partial side view of the supply and recovery device for the storage box according to the embodiment, showing a state where the first stopper protrudes to stop the transfer of three stacked storage boxes from the downstream end supply path of the storage box supply path to the first table. [Figure 27] It is an explanatory diagram of the gripping mechanism. (A) is a side view showing a state where a pair of swing arms of the gripping mechanism are open, (B) is a front view of (A), and (C) is a side view showing a state where a pair of swing arms of the gripping mechanism are closed to grip the storage box. [Figure 28] It is a front view showing the supply placement table mechanism. (A) shows a state where three stacked storage boxes are placed on the first table located at the lower limit position, (B) shows a state where two stacked storage boxes are placed on the first table located at the lower limit position, and (C) shows a state where the first table has risen to the intermediate position. [Figure 29] It is a side view of the supply and recovery device for the storage box according to the embodiment, showing a state where three stacked storage boxes are transferred from the second table to the upstream end supply path of the storage box recovery path. [Figure 30](A) is a side view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which a third empty storage box, which was being held by the gripping mechanism, has fallen from above two storage boxes stacked on the second table, and (B) shows the tilted state of the second table. [Figure 31] (A) is a side view of the storage box supply and retrieval device according to the embodiment, showing the state in which three stacked storage boxes are being transported from the second table to the upstream supply path of the storage box retrieval path; (B) shows the state just before the stopper contacts the lower surface of the lowered second table; and (C) shows the state after the inclination of the second table has reversed due to the contact of the stopper. [Figure 32] This is a side view of the first transfer mechanism provided in the downstream supply channel of the storage box supply channel, where (A) shows an arm and a first stopper and a second stopper provided at both ends thereof, (B) shows the state in which the storage box is locked to the first stopper protruding from the downstream supply channel, and (C) shows the state in which the storage box is released as the first stopper retracts from the downstream supply channel. [Figure 33] This is a side view showing the state in which the locking state of the storage box is released when the first stopper retracts from the downstream supply path of the storage box supply path, and the storage box is transferred from the downstream supply path to the second table. [Figure 34] (A) is a side view showing the pair of swinging arms of the gripping mechanism in the open position, and (B) is a side view showing the pair of swinging arms of the gripping mechanism in the closed position, gripping the storage box. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the illustrations. This embodiment describes a case in which the storage box supply and retrieval device supplies the storage boxes containing the parts to be assembled to the assembly site, and then retrieves the empty storage boxes. As shown in Figures 1 and 20, the storage box supply and retrieval device 10 is composed of a storage box supply path 12, a supply mounting table mechanism 14, a retrieval mounting table mechanism 16, a storage box retrieval path 18, a storage box transfer mechanism 20, and a frame 22. The supply mounting table mechanism 14 is located in the assembly area where components are assembled using parts stored in the storage box 24.

[0009] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the container supply path 12 is constructed by attaching multiple roller conveyors 26, each having multiple rollers assembled in a rectangular frame, to the frame 22. Multiple parts to be assembled are housed in storage boxes 24 at a supply location (not shown), and multiple storage boxes 24 containing these parts are stacked on top of each other. In this embodiment, three storage boxes 24 are stacked, and the three stacked storage boxes 24 are transported from a supply location (not shown) to a supply mounting table mechanism 14 via a storage box supply path 12. Figure 20 shows the downstream supply path 12A located at the downstream end in the transport direction of the container supply path 12, the direction change supply path 12B located upstream of the downstream supply path 12A, and the upstream supply path 12C located at the upstream end of the direction change supply path 12B. Figure 21 shows the upstream supply path 12C.

[0010] The downstream supply channel 12A, the direction change supply channel 12B, and the upstream supply channel 12C are inclined so that the three stacked storage boxes 24 are moved in the transport direction by their own weight. As shown in Figure 20, in the direction change supply path 12B, an inclined roller conveyor 26 is provided between the rollers at both ends in the width direction of the direction change supply path 12B, and the rollers have multiple rollers that are oriented 90 degrees differently from those rollers. When the three stacked storage boxes 24, transported from the upstream supply channel 12C, reach the direction change supply channel 12B, the roller conveyor 26 is raised by an air cylinder (not shown), and the three stacked storage boxes 24 are transported to the downstream supply channel 12A, where they are transported to the supply placement table mechanism 14 by a first transfer mechanism 28 (see Figures 23-26) located in the downstream supply channel 12A, and placed thereon.

[0011] As shown in Figures 23 to 26 and Figure 32(A), the first transfer mechanism 28 is composed of a first stopper 2802, a second stopper 2804, an arm 2806, and a first air cylinder 2808. As shown in Figures 23, 24, and 32, the first stopper 2802 is provided to be retractable at the downstream end of the downstream supply passage 12A, and the second stopper 2804 is provided to be retractable behind the three stacked storage boxes 24 that have been stopped in the downstream supply passage 12A by the first stopper 2802. The first stopper 2802 and the second stopper 2804 are provided at both ends of an arm 2806 that is pivotably supported by a pivot shaft. As shown in Figures 24, 25, and 32(C), the arm 2806 swings due to the extension and retraction of the first air cylinder 2808. When the first air cylinder 2808 extends in conjunction with the operation of the loading switch 1414 (see Figure 1), which will be described later, the first stopper 2802 retracts downward from the downstream end of the downstream supply path 12A. The three stacked storage boxes 24 are then transferred from the downstream supply path 12A to the supply mounting table mechanism 14 by the inclination of the roller conveyor 26. The second stopper 2804 protrudes behind the three stacked storage boxes 24, stopping the transfer of the three stacked storage boxes 24 to the downstream end of the downstream supply path 12A.

[0012] Once the three stacked storage boxes 24 have been transferred from the downstream supply path 12A to the supply mounting table mechanism 14, in other words, after a predetermined time has elapsed, activated by the loading switch 1414 (described later) and set by a timer (not shown), the first air cylinder 2808 is retracted by this timer, as shown in Figure 26. As shown in Figures 26 and 32(B), when the first air cylinder 2808 retracts, the first stopper 2802 protrudes upward from the downstream end of the downstream supply channel 12A and contacts the lowest of the three stacked storage boxes 24, stopping the three stacked storage boxes 24 at the downstream end of the downstream supply channel 12A. The inclination of the roller conveyor 26 causes the second stopper 2804 to retract behind the three stacked storage boxes 24 from the downstream supply channel 12A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the three stacked storage boxes 24 are transferred from the direction change supply path 12B to the downstream end supply path 12A. In Figure 25, reference numeral 1401 denotes a stopper provided on the supply mounting table mechanism 14 to prevent the storage box 24 from falling out of the supply mounting table mechanism 14.

[0013] As shown in Figure 22, the supply placement table mechanism 14 is located at the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12 in the transport direction, and is the place where the three stacked storage boxes 24 are transported from the downstream end of the downstream end supply path 12A and placed. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the supply mounting table mechanism 14 includes a first table 1402, a first link mechanism 1404 for raising and lowering the first table 1402, a hydraulic actuator (not shown), a lifting pedal 1406, a lowering handle (not shown), a pressing air cylinder 1408, and a rotating air cylinder (not shown). The first table 1402 is where the three stacked storage boxes 24 are placed, and is provided to be able to move up and down between a lower limit position and an upper limit position. The first table 1402 is composed of a roller conveyor 26.

[0014] The lifting and lowering operation of the first table 1402 is performed as follows: When the lifting pedal 1406 is pressed by the pressing air cylinder 1408, the first table 1402 is raised via the first link mechanism 1404 by the hydraulic actuator. When the pressure on the lifting pedal 1406 is released, the raising of the first table 1402 by the hydraulic actuator stops, and the height of the first table 1402 is determined. When the lowering handle (not shown) is rotated by the rotating air cylinder (not shown), the first table 1402 is lowered via the first link mechanism 1404 by the hydraulic actuator. When the rotation of the lowering handle is stopped, the lowering of the first table 1402 by the hydraulic actuator stops, and the height of the first table 1402 is determined.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a first switch 46 is provided that is activated when the single-acting cylinder 34 and pantograph mechanism 38, which will be described later, rotate from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602 (when the storage box 24 is positioned above the second table 1602). When this first switch 46 is activated, the pressing air cylinder 1408 operates and starts pressing the lifting pedal 1406. Furthermore, the first table 1402 is provided with a detection lever (not shown) that moves up and down integrally with the first table 1402. As shown in Figure 4, an upper limit switch 1410 and an intermediate switch 1412, which are activated when pressed by this detection lever, are provided on the first rod 2202 of the frame 22 at vertical intervals. When the upper limit switch 1410 and the intermediate switch 1412 are activated, the operation of the pressing air cylinder 1408 is stopped each time, and the height of the first table 1402 is determined to be one of two positions: the upper limit position and the intermediate position.

[0016] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, when the inclination of the second table 1602 (described later) reverses, the tilt detection switch 1612 is activated, causing the above-mentioned rotating air cylinder (not shown) to operate and the rotation of the lowering handle to begin. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a loading switch 1414 is provided on the frame 22 below the intermediate switch 1412. When the loading switch 1414 is activated by the detection lever, the operation of the rotating air cylinder (not shown) stops, and the first table 1402 stops at its lower limit position. Furthermore, when this loading switch 1414 is activated, the first air cylinder 2808 that operates the arm 2806 is retracted as described above.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1, 6, and 11, the first table 1402 is positioned at one of the lower limit, intermediate, or upper limit positions, and regardless of the position of the first table 1402, the highest storage box 24 placed on the first table 1402 is set to a predetermined height so that it is easy for workers to take out parts from the storage box 24. In other words, the supply loading table mechanism 14 includes a height maintenance mechanism 50 that maintains the uppermost loading box 24 at a predetermined height regardless of the number of loading boxes 24 placed on the first table 1402, and the height maintenance mechanism 50 includes the aforementioned pressing air cylinder 1408, upper limit switch 1410, intermediate switch 1412, and loading switch 1414.

[0018] As shown in Figure 20, the lower limit position of the first table 1402 is a position where no storage boxes 24 have yet been placed on the first table 1402 and the storage boxes 24 can be moved to the first table 1402 from the downstream supply path 12A of the storage box supply path 12, and also corresponds to the state in which three storage boxes 24 are stacked on top of each other on the first table 1402, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6, the intermediate position of the first table 1402 corresponds to the state in which two storage boxes 24 are stacked and placed on the first table 1402. As shown in Figure 11, the upper limit position of the first table 1402 corresponds to the state in which one storage box 24 is placed on the first table 1402. In other words, when three storage boxes 24 are stacked on the first table 1402, the height of the highest storage box 24 is the same as when two storage boxes 24 are stacked on the first table 1402, and the height of the highest storage box 24 is the same as when one storage box 24 is stacked on the first table 1402.

[0019] As shown in Figures 18, 19, 29, 30, and 31, the collection and placement table mechanism 16 is located at the upstream end of the storage box collection path 18 in the transport direction, and is the place where three empty stacked storage boxes 24 are placed. As shown in Figures 18 and 30(B), the retrieval table mechanism 16 includes a second table 1602 made of a roller conveyor 26, and balancers 1606 that suspend and support both sides of the second table 1602 via wires 1604. In this embodiment, the balancer 1606 constitutes a lifting mechanism 30 that raises and lowers the wire 1604, thereby raising and lowering the second table 1602.

[0020] When no storage boxes 24 are placed on the second table 1602, the balancer 1606 sets the second table 1602 to an initial position at a predetermined height. Furthermore, when one storage box 24 is placed on the second table 1602, the second table 1602 descends and stops by a predetermined stroke. When a second storage box 24 is placed on the second table 1602, the second table 1602 descends and stops by a predetermined stroke. When a third storage box 24 is placed on the second table 1602, the second table 1602 descends by a predetermined stroke until it contacts the stopper 1610, which will be described later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 30(B), a weight 1608 is attached to one end of the second table 1602, and the second table 1602 is suspended by a wire 1604, with the second table 1602 tilted so that one end is lower than the other end. In this embodiment, the weight 1608 constitutes a tilting mechanism 32 that tilts the second table 1602. Although not shown in the diagram, a stopper is provided at the end of the lower second table 1602 to prevent the storage box 24 from falling out.

[0022] The retrieval table mechanism 16 descends due to the weight of the storage boxes 24 placed on the second table 1602. As shown in Figures 31(B) and (C), the stationary stopper 1610 comes into contact with the underside of the second table 1602 with the three empty storage boxes 24 stacked on top of each other. After contact with the stopper 1610, the inclination of the second table 1602 reverses as it descends. As a result, the three empty storage boxes 24 are transferred from the second table 1602 to the storage box retrieval path 18 by the tilting of the second table 1602. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 30(A) and 31(A), a tilt detection switch 1612 is provided on the frame 22, which is activated when the tilt of the second table 1602 is reversed and pressed by the second table 1602. The operation of the tilt detection switch 1612 causes the above-mentioned rotating air cylinder (not shown) to operate.

[0023] The storage box transfer mechanism 20 comprises a single-acting air cylinder 34, a swivel mechanism 36, and a pantograph mechanism 38. As shown in Figures 1 to 17, 27, and 34, the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are rotatably mounted between the supply mounting table mechanism 14 and the recovery mounting table mechanism 16 via a swivel mechanism 36. The single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are used to grip and release the empty storage box 24, and the empty storage box 24 is transferred from the supply mounting table mechanism 14 to the retrieval mounting table mechanism 16 via the pantograph mechanism 38. The illustrated example describes a case using two single-acting air cylinders 34, but the number of single-acting air cylinders 34 can be any number, such as one.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, a cylindrical body 40 is rotatably mounted on a support shaft (not shown) of the frame 22, and a swivel arm 4002 consisting of two arms is provided protruding from the cylindrical body 40, with the single-acting air cylinder 34 supported at the tip of this swivel arm 4002. The swivel air cylinder 42 swivels the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 between a first swivel position (Figure 2) located above the first table 1402 and a second swivel position (Figure 1) located above the second table 1602. The lifting cylinder 44 raises and lowers the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 between an upper limit position (Figure 2) and a lower limit position (Figure 3). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the frame 22 is provided with a first switch 46 that is activated when the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are rotated from the first position to the second position while maintaining their upper limit position, and are pressed by the slewing arm 4002.

[0025] As shown in Figures 27 and 34, the pantograph mechanism 38 comprises a pair of swinging arms 3802, in which a first arm 3802A and a second arm 3802B are integrally connected, and a pair of auxiliary arms 3804 that swing the swinging arms 3802. A guide rod 3404 extending vertically is attached to the cylinder body 3402 of the single-acting air cylinder 34. A slider 3406 is mounted on the guide rod 3404 so as to be movable up and down, and the base ends of a pair of auxiliary arms 3804 are rotatably connected to the lower end of the guide rod 3404 via a first mounting member 3806. Furthermore, the base end of the first arm 3802A is rotatably connected to the slider 3406 via the second mounting member 3807.

[0026] As shown in Figure 34, the piston rod 3408 of the single-acting air cylinder 34 is connected to the slider 3406. In this embodiment, the single-acting air cylinder 34 is configured such that when compressed air is supplied for operation, it moves the piston rod 3408 from the extended position shown in Figure 34(A) to the retracted position shown in Figure 34(B), and when the supply of compressed air is stopped, the built-in spring moves the piston rod 3408 from the retracted position to the extended position. Compared to a double-acting air cylinder, which uses compressed air to perform both the extension and retraction of the piston rod 3408, this single-acting air cylinder has a simpler structure and is more cost-effective.

[0027] The tips of the pair of auxiliary arms 3804 are rotatably connected to the first arm 3802A of the pair of swing arms 3802 via a third mounting member 3808. The tip of the second arm 3802B of the pair of swinging arms 3802 is provided with a locking claw 3810 that can be detachably locked to the upper flange of the housing box 24. Therefore, as shown in Figure 34(A), when the piston rod 3408 of the single-acting air cylinder 34 is extended, the slider 3406 and the first mounting member 3806 are in close proximity, and the pair of swing arms 3802 open via the pair of auxiliary arms 3804.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 34(B), when the piston rod 3408 of the single-acting air cylinder 34 is retracted, the slider 3406 and the first mounting member 3806 separate, the pair of swing arms 3802 close via the pair of auxiliary arms 3804, the upper flange 2402 of the housing box 24 is locked by the pair of locking claws 3810, and the housing box 24 becomes movable upward. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a gripping mechanism 48 is configured by a single-acting air cylinder 34 and a pantograph mechanism 38 to enable gripping of the storage box 24, a lifting mechanism 30 is configured by a lifting air cylinder 44 to raise and lower the gripping mechanism 48, and a swivel mechanism 36 is configured by a swivel air cylinder 42 to transfer the empty storage box 24 gripped by the gripping mechanism 48 from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602.

[0029] Next, the operation of the storage box supply and retrieval device 10 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, three stacked storage boxes 24 containing parts are placed on the first table 1402 of the supply mounting table mechanism 14, and the single-acting air cylinder 34 and pantograph mechanism 38 are positioned at the upper limit above the second table 1602. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, the three storage boxes 24 stacked at the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12 are stopped at the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12 by the first stopper 2802 contacting the lowest storage box 24, and the second stopper 2804 is retracted behind the three stacked storage boxes 24 due to the inclination of the arm 2806. The worker takes the parts from the topmost of the three stacked storage boxes 24 placed on the first table 1402 and performs the assembly work.

[0030] When the top storage box 24 on the first table 1402 is empty and no parts remain, the worker operates a start switch (not shown) located on the frame 22. As shown in Figure 2, when the start switch is operated, the swivel air cylinder 42 rotates the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the second swivel position to the first swivel position while maintaining the upper limit position. Once the rotation of the swivel air cylinder 42 to the first swivel position is complete, the lifting air cylinder 44 lowers the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the upper limit position to the lower limit position above the second table 1602, as shown in Figure 3. In this state, the single-acting air cylinder 34 is extended, and the pair of swinging arms 3802 are kept open. When the lowering movement of the lifting air cylinder 44 is completed and the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 reach their lower limit positions, as shown in Figure 34(B), compressed air is supplied to the single-acting air cylinder 34, causing it to retract from its extended state, the pair of swinging arms 3802 to close, and the pair of locking claws 3810 to lock, or grip, the upper flange 2402 of the storage box 24, making the storage box 24 movable upwards.

[0031] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the lifting air cylinder 44 raises the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, causing the uppermost empty storage box 24 to be raised while being gripped by the pair of swinging arms 3802. Next, as shown in Figure 5, with the single-acting air cylinder 34 and pantograph mechanism 38 holding their upper limit positions, the swivel air cylinder 42 rotates the single-acting air cylinder 34 and pantograph mechanism 38 from the first swivel position to the second swivel position. As a result, the empty storage box 24, gripped by the pair of swinging arms 3802, is rotated from above the first table 1402 to above the second table 1602, and the swivel arm 4002 activates the first switch 46. Furthermore, when the first switch 46 is activated, as shown in Figure 5, the pressing air cylinder 1408 operates and starts pressing the lifting pedal 1406, causing the first table 1402 to rise from its lower limit position. As shown in Figure 6, when the first table 1402 reaches the intermediate position, the intermediate switch 1412 operates, stopping the operation of the pressing air cylinder 1408, and the height of the first table 1402 is positioned at the intermediate position. Furthermore, when the first switch 46 is activated, the supply of compressed air to the single-acting air cylinder 34 is stopped, causing the single-acting air cylinder 34 to extend from its retracted state. As shown in Figure 34(A), the pair of swinging arms 3802 open, releasing the grip of the upper flange 2402 of the storage box 24 by the pair of locking claws 3810, and as shown in Figure 6, the first empty storage box 24 falls onto the second table 1602. Then, when an empty storage box 24 is placed on the second table 1602, it moves downward via the balancer 1606 by a predetermined stroke.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, when the empty storage boxes 24 are transferred from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602 by the storage box transfer mechanism 20, two storage boxes 24 are placed on the first table 1402, and the worker takes out the parts from the topmost storage box 24 and performs the assembly work. If the top storage box 24 is empty and no parts remain, the worker operates the start switch (not shown above). As shown in Figure 7, when the start switch is operated, the swivel air cylinder 42 rotates the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the second swivel position to the first swivel position while maintaining the upper limit position. Once the rotation of the swivel air cylinder 42 to the first swivel position is complete, as shown in Figure 8, the lifting air cylinder 44 lowers the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the upper limit position to the lower limit position above the second table 1602. In this state, the single-acting air cylinder 34 is extended, and the pair of swinging arms 3802 are kept open. When the lowering movement of the lifting air cylinder 44 is completed and the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 reach their lower limit positions, as shown in Figure 34(B), compressed air is supplied to the single-acting air cylinder 34, causing it to retract from its extended state, the pair of swinging arms 3802 to close, and the pair of locking claws 3810 to lock, or grip, the upper flange 2402 of the storage box 24, making the storage box 24 movable upwards.

[0033] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the lifting air cylinder 44 raises the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, causing the uppermost empty storage box 24 to be raised while being gripped by the pair of swinging arms 3802. Next, as shown in Figure 10, the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position by the rotating air cylinder 42, while the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are held in their upper positions. As a result, the empty storage box 24, gripped by the pair of swinging arms 3802, is rotated from above the first table 1402 to above the second table 1602, and the first switch 46 is activated by the swinging arm 4002. Furthermore, when the first switch 46 is activated, as shown in Figure 10, the pressing air cylinder 1408 operates and starts pressing the lifting pedal 1406, causing the first table 1402 to rise from the intermediate position. As shown in Figure 11, when the first table 1402 reaches the upper limit position, the upper limit switch 1410 operates, stopping the operation of the pressing air cylinder 1408, and the height of the first table 1402 is positioned at the upper limit position. Furthermore, when the first switch 46 is activated, the supply of compressed air to the single-acting air cylinder 34 is stopped, causing the single-acting air cylinder 34 to extend from its retracted state. As shown in Figure 34(A), the pair of swinging arms 3802 open, releasing the grip of the upper flange 2402 of the storage box 24 by the pair of locking claws 3810. As shown in Figure 11, the second empty storage box 24 falls onto the first empty storage box 24 which was placed on the second table 1602, and is stacked on top of the first empty storage box 24. Then, when the second empty storage box 24 is stacked and placed on top of it, the second table 1602 moves downward via the balancer 1606 by a predetermined stroke.

[0034] When the second empty storage box 24 is transferred from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602 by the storage box transfer mechanism 20, as shown in Figure 11, one storage box 24 will be placed on the first table 1402, and the worker will take out the parts from this one storage box 24 and perform the assembly work. If the contents of this storage box 24 are depleted and the box becomes empty, the worker operates the start switch (not shown above). As shown in Figure 12, when the above-mentioned start switch (not shown) is operated, the swivel air cylinder 42 rotates the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the second swivel position to the first swivel position while maintaining the upper limit position. Next, as shown in Figure 13, the lifting air cylinder 44 lowers the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the upper limit position to the lower limit position above the second table 1602. In this state, the single-acting air cylinder 34 is extended, and the pair of swinging arms 3802 are kept open. When the lowering movement of the lifting air cylinder 44 is completed and the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 reach their lower limit positions, as shown in Figure 34(B), compressed air is supplied to the single-acting air cylinder 34, causing it to retract from its extended state, the pair of swinging arms 3802 to close, and the pair of locking claws 3810 to lock, or grip, the upper flange 2402 of the storage box 24, making the storage box 24 movable upwards.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the lifting air cylinder 44 raises the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, thereby lifting the top empty storage box 24 upward while being gripped by the pair of swinging arms 3802. Next, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position by the rotating air cylinder 42, while the single-acting air cylinder 34 and the pantograph mechanism 38 are held in their upper positions. As a result, the empty storage box 24, gripped by the pair of swinging arms 3802, is rotated from above the first table 1402 to above the second table 1602. Furthermore, when the first switch 46 is activated, the supply of compressed air to the single-acting air cylinder 34 is stopped, causing the single-acting air cylinder 34 to extend from its retracted state. As shown in Figure 34(A), the pair of swinging arms 3802 open, releasing the locking of the upper flange 2402 of the storage box 24 by the pair of locking claws 3810. As shown in Figure 17, the third empty storage box 24 falls onto the second empty storage box 24 which was placed on the second table 1602, and is stacked on top of the second empty storage box 24. Then, when the third empty storage box 24 is stacked and placed on top of the second table 1602, the second table 1602 moves downward via the balancer 1606 by a predetermined stroke.

[0036] Then, as shown in Figures 18 and 31(B), when three empty storage boxes 24 are stacked on the second table 1602, the balancer 1606 that constitutes the lifting mechanism 30 causes the second table 1602 to descend, and as shown in Figure 31(C), the stationary stopper 1610 comes into contact with the lower surface of the second table 1602. After contact with the stopper 1610, the inclination of the second table 1602 reverses as it descends, and as shown in Figures 19 and 31(C), the three empty storage boxes 24 are transferred from the second table 1602 to the storage box retrieval path 18 due to the inclination of the second table 1602. Furthermore, once the three empty storage boxes 24 have been removed from the second table 1602, the balancer 1606, which constitutes the lifting mechanism 30, returns the second table 1602 to its initial position. Furthermore, when the inclination of the second table 1602 reverses, the inclination detection switch 1612 is activated by the pressure exerted by the second table 1602, which causes the rotating air cylinder (not shown) to rotate the lowering handle (not shown), and the first table 1402 descends as shown in Figure 23.

[0037] Eventually, the loading switch 1414 is activated by the detection lever on the first table 1402, stopping the operation of the rotating air cylinder. As shown in Figure 24, the first table 1402 stops at its lower limit position, and the first air cylinder 2808 extends due to the operation of the loading switch 1414, causing the arm 2806 to swing. As a result, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the first stopper 2802 retracts downward from the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12, and the three stacked storage boxes 24 are transferred from the storage box supply path 12 to the supply mounting table mechanism 14 by the inclination of the roller conveyor 26 that constitutes the storage box supply path 12, and the second stopper 2804 protrudes behind the three stacked storage boxes 24, stopping the transfer of the three stacked storage boxes 24 to the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12. Once the three stacked storage boxes 24 have been transferred from the storage box supply path 12 to the supply mounting table mechanism 14, after a predetermined time has elapsed according to the timer (not shown), the air cylinder is retracted as shown in Figure 26, and the swing of the arm 2806 causes the first stopper 2802 to protrude upward from the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12, contacting the lowest storage box 24 of the three stacked storage boxes 24, stopping the three stacked storage boxes 24 at the downstream end of the storage box supply path 12, and the second stopper 2804 retracts behind the three stacked storage boxes 24. In this way, the system returns to the initial state shown in Figure 1, and the same operation is repeated thereafter.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, control of the supply and cessation of compressed air to the pressing air cylinder 1408, the rotating air cylinder (not shown), the first cylinder 2808, the single-acting air cylinder 34, the swivel air cylinder 42, and the lifting air cylinder 44, based on the detection operations of the start switch (not shown), upper limit switch 1410, intermediate switch 1412, loading switch 1414, tilt detection switch 1612, and first switch 46, is performed using conventionally known solenoid valves and control circuits. However, in order to simplify the explanation, a detailed explanation of the solenoid valves and control circuits has been omitted.

[0039] In this embodiment, the compressor that supplies compressed air to drive the actuators, which are composed of air cylinders, is powered by electricity supplied from a battery that stores electricity generated by solar panels using sunlight.

[0040] According to this embodiment, a supply loading table mechanism 14 is provided at the downstream end of the loading direction of the loading box supply path 12 and has a first table 1402 on which multiple stacked loading boxes 24 are loaded and transported from the loading box supply path 12; a recovery loading table mechanism 16 is provided at the upstream end of the loading direction of the loading box recovery path 18 and has a second table 1602 on which loading boxes 24 transported from the first table 1402 are loaded and transports multiple loading boxes 24 loaded on the second table 1602 to the upstream end; and a loading box transport mechanism 20 is provided between the first table 1402 and the second table 1602 and sequentially transports empty loading boxes 24 from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602 and stacks them on the second table 1602. Therefore, the worker only needs to take out the parts from the storage boxes 24 that are transported from the storage box supply path 12 to the first table 1402 and placed there, and perform the assembly work. The empty storage boxes 24 are then sequentially transported from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602 by the storage box transport mechanism 20, and the storage boxes 24 stacked on the second table 1602 are then transported from the second table 1602 to the storage box retrieval path 18. Therefore, this is advantageous in improving the efficiency of supplying and collecting the storage boxes 24. Furthermore, at the same time, workers are no longer required to transport the storage boxes 24 containing the parts from the storage box supply path 12 to the work site, nor to transport the empty storage boxes 24 from the work site to the storage box retrieval path 18, which is advantageous in terms of improving the efficiency of assembly work by the workers.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply mounting table mechanism 14 is configured to include a height maintenance mechanism 50 that maintains the uppermost storage box 24 at a predetermined height, regardless of the number of storage boxes 24 placed on the first table 1402. Therefore, regardless of the number of storage boxes 24 placed on the first table 1402, the worker only needs to take out parts from the storage boxes 24 which are maintained at the same height. This eliminates the need for the worker to assume an awkward posture, which is advantageous in improving the worker's work efficiency and reducing the burden on the worker.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the collection table mechanism 16 is configured to include a second table 1602 made of a roller conveyor 26, a lifting mechanism 30, a tilting mechanism 32, and a stopper 1610. This simplifies and compacts the structure of the collection table mechanism 16, which is advantageous in reducing the cost of the supply and collection device 10 for the storage boxes 24.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage box transfer mechanism 20 includes a gripping mechanism 48 that enables gripping of the storage box 24, a lifting mechanism 30 that raises and lowers the gripping mechanism 48, and a swivel mechanism 36 that transfers the empty storage box 24 gripped by the gripping mechanism 48 from the first table 1402 to the second table 1602. This simplifies and compacts the structure of the storage box transfer mechanism 20, which is advantageous in reducing the cost of the storage box supply and retrieval device 10.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply mounting table mechanism 14, the recovery mounting table mechanism 16, and the storage box transfer mechanism 20 are each configured to include actuators, and these actuators are driven by power obtained from the solar panel. Therefore, by effectively utilizing renewable energy, it is not only advantageous in reducing electricity consumption at workplaces such as factories, but also advantageous in achieving carbon neutrality and reducing environmental impact.

[0045] In this embodiment, the application of the present invention to the work of assembling parts by an operator has been described. However, the work performed by the operator is not limited to assembly work, and the present invention can be broadly applied to various tasks such as processing parts, welding parts to components, and surface processing parts. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10. Supply and retrieval device for containment boxes 12. Supply route for containment boxes 12A Downstream end supply path 12B Direction change supply channel 12C Upstream end supply path 14. Supply mounting table mechanism 1401 Stopper 1402 Table 1 1404 First Link Mechanism 1406 Raising Pedal 1408 Press-type air cylinder 1410 Upper limit switch 1412 In-line switch 1414 Delivery Switch 16. Recovery mounting table mechanism 1602 Table 2 1604 Wire 1606 Balancer 1608 weight 1610 Stopper 1612 Tilt detection switch 18. Retrieval route for containment boxes 20. Storage box transfer mechanism 22 frames 2202 1st Rod 24 storage boxes 2402 Upper flange 26 Roller conveyor 28 1st transfer mechanism 2801 Support shaft 2802 First Stopper 2804 Second Stopper 2806 Arm 2808 Cylinder No. 1 30 Lifting mechanism 32 Tilt mechanism 34 Single-acting air cylinder 3402 Cylinder body 3404 Guide Rod 3406 Slider 3408 Piston Rod 36. Swivel mechanism 38 Pantograph mechanism 3802 Swivel Arm 3802A First Arm 3802B Second Arm 3804 Auxiliary Arm 3806 First mounting member 3807 Second mounting member 3808 Third mounting member 3810 Locking claw 40 Cylinder 4002 Swivel Arm 42 Swivel air cylinder 44 Lifting air cylinder 46. ​​First switch 48 Gripping mechanism 50 Height maintenance mechanism

Claims

1. A storage box supply path for transporting multiple storage boxes containing multiple parts stacked on top of each other, A supply table mechanism having a first table provided at the downstream end in the transport direction of the storage box supply path, on which the multiple stacked storage boxes are transported from the storage box supply path and placed; A storage box retrieval path for transporting multiple empty storage boxes stacked on top of each other to a storage box retrieval location, A collection and placement table mechanism is provided at the upstream end in the transport direction of the storage box collection path and has a second table on which the storage boxes transported from the first table are stacked, and transports a plurality of storage boxes stacked on the second table to the upstream end. The system includes a storage box transfer mechanism provided between the first table and the second table, which sequentially transfers the empty storage boxes from the first table to the second table and stacks them on the second table, The aforementioned second table is composed of a roller conveyor. The aforementioned retrieval and placement table mechanism comprises a second table suspended by a wire, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the wire, a tilting mechanism for tilting the second table so that one end of the second table in the transport direction of the storage box is positioned lower than the other end, and a stopper that contacts the second table as the second table is lowered by the lifting mechanism, reverses the tilt of the second table, and transports the storage box from the second table to the upstream end of the storage box retrieval path. A supply and retrieval device for storage boxes, characterized by the above.

2. The supply table mechanism includes a height-maintaining mechanism that maintains the uppermost storage box at a predetermined height, regardless of the number of storage boxes placed on the first table. The supply and recovery device for storage boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a storage box supply and recovery device.

3. The storage box transfer mechanism comprises a gripping mechanism that enables gripping of the storage box, a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the gripping mechanism, and a swivel mechanism that transfers the empty storage box gripped by the gripping mechanism from the first table to the second table. The supply and recovery device for storage boxes according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a storage box supply and recovery device.

4. The supply mounting table mechanism, the recovery mounting table mechanism, and the storage box transfer mechanism are each configured to include an actuator. These actuators are powered by electricity generated from solar panels. A supply and recovery device for storage boxes according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is a device for supplying and recovering storage boxes.

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